Statement to the Legislature by the Honourable Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services - Canadian Infertility Awareness Week
May 11, 2009

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

I rise today to recognize that next week is Canadian Infertility Awareness Week.

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most rewarding and enriching experiences ─ one that many Ontarians take for granted.

But for the tens of thousands of Ontarians who cope with infertility ─ their hopes for building a family are shadowed by anxiety, isolation and heartbreak.

Three years ago, the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada – an association that helps Canadians struggling to start a family – launched this annual campaign so that people diagnosed with infertility would know that support and education is available to them.

Our government, too, believes in the need to shine a light on this often unspoken matter.

Certainly, our hearts go out to those who suffer …

To the woman who said: “After I had four miscarriages, my body was a mystery to me. Something wasn’t working, but no test, no doctor, no treatment could reveal a definitive problem.”

To the hopeful mother who talks of “those two weeks each month spent between sanity and insanity, where time turns so slowly it seems like an eternity.”

Even the simple question, “Do you have kids?” can be devastating to those who want a child but have yet been unable to conceive.

We believe everyone should have a fair opportunity to have a family.

That’s why last summer, we established an Expert Panel on Infertility and Adoption, to take the first crucial steps to see how we could better support people who want to start families.

The panel is exploring ways to help make both fertility treatment and adoption more accessible in Ontario.

This 11-member team - comprised of adoptive parents, people who have had personal experience with infertility, and representatives from the medical and adoption communities - is chaired by David Johnston, a leading academic and President of the University of Waterloo.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the panel for their ongoing work and commitment.

I’ve met with them and they are knowledgeable, empathetic and determined to find just the right solutions.

Certainly, there is strong public interest in their work.

As part of their in-depth research, the panel asked to hear from Ontarians on their personal experiences and views regarding infertility and the adoption system.

We heard from 1,800 people who had struggled with infertility.  Clearly this is an important issue for Ontarians.

I look forward to receiving the panel’s recommendations next month.

Mr. Speaker, as more women wait to begin their families, infertility is becoming more common.

Today, one in eight couples struggles to build a family. One in six has faced infertility at some point in their lives.

People often think that infertility affects only women.  But only half of infertility is solely related to women.  Male infertility, unexplained infertility and combined infertility account for the other half.

The unnecessary shame and stigma of infertility often means that these Ontarians are suffering alone, in silence. This week is our chance to let them know that we support them.

Mr. Speaker, there are many dedicated people in our communities who work hard to help Ontarians realize their dreams of parenthood.

I’d like to thank them all. I’d like to thank the support groups that encourage and listen during a sometimes difficult journey …

And the community organizations whose informed advice and guidance have helped so many Ontarians build their families – be it through fertility treatment or adoption.

During Canadian Infertility Awareness Week, there are activities organized around the country to engage and inform those struggling to start a family. For a list of activities taking place in Ontario, I encourage you to visit the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada website at iaac.ca

As a mother and grandmother ─ I know that having a family is life’s greatest gift.

I cannot imagine my life without them.

And our government will continue to do our best to support those who want to be parents.

Thank you.

Additional Information:

• No additional news.